Ride with style, Ruby helmets by Jerôme Coste

Inspired by Steve McQueen, science fiction, mechanical beauties and the great tradition of French luxury, Jerôme Coste has dreamt up Ruby, a brand established in 2008 which keeps heroes and heroines moving quickly and safely day to day.  Made from carbon fibers for maximum strength and ultra lightness, these retro-chic helmets are designed as jet helmets without a chinstrap, with a rear fin, a chrome plated trim around the edge, a steel badge and a claret-colored lining made from Nappa lambskin as a tribute to luxurious, vintage sports cars.

Karl Lagerfeld has already made a collaboration with Les Ateliers Ruby for his Autumn/Winter 2009-10 show in Paris. The program looks to feature a selection of limited edition colors in editions ranging from 12 to 100. In conjunction with the project, Lagerfeld has also created a drawing expressing his vision of the Ruby Woman which has been turned into a silk scarf, limited to 500 pieces.

"Now everyone is on scooters, even chic women, so we had to do the helmet." Karl said.

Ruby has partnered with the Parisian artist HONET (HNT) for his very first designer's edition. And with the Anglo-Japanese designer couple: Wakako Kishimoto and Mark Eley, most famous as Eley Kishimoto for his second designer's edition.

Jerôme ventured into other off beat interpretations of Maison Martin Margiela with a signature carved helmet. The carbon shell is varnished then covered with broad lines of paint with a “meudon white” effect, the pure but imperfect white’s that are the “Maison’s” universal hallmark.

Just browse their website and ride with style at ateliersruby.com, shop at the boutiqueruby.com ... I want mine in a red box.